ABGC Spotlight: Melissa Gibbons, MS, CGC — Advocating for SMA Awareness

August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month. According to CureSMA, SMA is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord and impacts the muscles used for activities such as breathing, eating, crawling and walking. Since 2016, there have been three FDA-approved therapies made available to individuals with SMA that have changed the progression of the disease. These treatments have been shown to be most effective the earlier that they are given and, as a result, SMA is now on the newborn screen in all states.

In this ABGC Spotlight, learn about Melissa Gibbons, MS, CGC’s journey to genetic counseling and her special focus and passion for SMA.

ABGC: Can you share your journey to becoming a genetic counselor?

Melissa Gibbons, MS, CGC (MG): Like many genetic counselors, I stumbled across genetic counseling during college and knew it was the right combination of genetics and education for me. I took two years after college to work at the Berman Gund Clinic at Mass Eye and Ear to gain experience in a genetic condition before attending graduate school at the University of North Carolina Greensboro Program.

ABGC: Tell us about your current role and your proudest accomplishment in this position so far.

MG: I am currently an associate professor at University of Colorado School of Medicine and a genetic counselor at the Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO). I have been fortunate to work in the Neuromuscular Clinic at CHCO since 2007 and within the neurology department since 2009. I am proud to work as part of an amazing multidisciplinary Neuromuscular Clinic team and to have been part of growing that clinic in size and scope. Following the approval of the first FDA-approved drug for SMA, I advocated for the inclusion of SMA on the newborn screen in Colorado and Wyoming and now have the pleasure of being the newborn screen coordinator for SMA in Colorado and Wyoming.

ABGC: August is SMA month. Can you describe your work with SMA and why this is important to you?

MG: Being part of the SMA committee has brought me a tremendous amount of professional and personal joy. Being able to walk alongside these families as they navigate a new diagnosis and the treatment decision-making process is an honor.

ABGC: What is something you wish was more widely known about SMA — whether by genetic counselors, the general public or those affected?

MG: I wish that carrier testing and prenatal referrals to neuromuscular clinics for at-risk couples (even if they elect not to do diagnostic testing on the fetus) were more commonplace. Being able to discuss SMA and treatment options over a few months during pregnancy allows the family a better understanding of SMA and time to make decisions regarding treatment.

ABGC: As a genetic counselor, what is a skill or value you uniquely exemplify?

MG: I think that my ability to break down complex information into understandable terms and deliver in a compassionate manner is a skill that is most valued by my team and families.

ABGC: What advice would you give a current genetic counseling student?

MG: Take time to find out what you are passionate about; it is the key piece in making this a career that you will love and thrive in.

ABGC: Outside of work, what is something you enjoy doing?

MG: I am currently living my best mom life, and you will find me on the sidelines of soccer games and in the audience at gymnastics meets.